and republicans, like democrats, like programs like medicare and social security so when you have a lot more old people, those programs get more expensive and that means that it's hard to keep tax levels exactly where they have been during the bush years. >> stephen: that's fine. but why is this happening publicly. why are people like lindsey graham and saxby chambliss saying this sort of thing in public? is there a new political environment where these congressmen, these senators want to appear reasonable and responsive? >> it's more than just appearing reasonable and responsive. >> stephen: really. can't we just appear in way and then later get what we want. want? there's more than one way to skin a cat here. >> you might be aware that republicans really like a guy called ronald reagan. perhaps you've heard of him. >> stephen: i feel a ronald reagan tattoo on the small of my back. >> i should hope so. >> i'm getting a reagan tattoo on my face. but what i want to tell you is that ronald reagan agreed to tax reform that led to lower tax rates but also higher tax revenues from rich folks